Why Moco Museum Amsterdam is the coolest art stop

From Banksy to Basquiat, the Moco Museum brings modern art to life with message-driven works and expressive flair. Looking for cool things to do in Amsterdam or planning a cultural day with kids? Moco hits different.

By Beth Levicki
Published: July 16, 2025
Moco Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s packed full of history, with legendary artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt etched into the nooks and crannys of its culture. But sometimes it’s nice to know the present is still pulling its weight, right? A visit to the Moco Museum Amsterdam proves that although art has changed, it’s just as powerful as–and maybe even cooler than–the greats. Here’s why we love it... 

Legendary Artists

Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots

Admire Banksy’s work in the ‘Laugh Now’ exhibition and come face-to-face with his raw commentary on modern society via graffiti and satire. 

Marvel at legends like Warhol and his Pop Art masterpieces, and Haring with his bold and whacky cartoon figures, in ‘Meet the Icons of Modern Art’. Discover their stories and how they became insanely popular in the contemporary art scene. 

Be moved by Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots and embark on an immersive journey of psychology and spirituality in ‘The Digital Immersive Art’ exhibition. Journey into Kusama’s mind and let the work challenge your perceptions of the world. 

There are some truly stunning works throughout. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, you’re always going to find that ‘wow’ moment. It’s deep, it’s funny, it’s inspiring, but words don’t really do this place justice – grab a pass and see for yourself.

Immersive and Colorful

Diamond matrix

The Moco is small but mighty, with each room offering a  unique experience, complete with interactive exhibits. Experience infinite reflections in the ‘Diamond Matrix’, see how light sparks ideas, links souls, and maps the future in ‘Connect the Dots’, and enjoy immersive meditation and connection in ‘Universe’. Through the new art movement Connectivism, you’re encouraged to reflect forward and imagine what the future could look like. Trippy. 

And you can absolutely do the Moco with the kids! Modern art means bold colors and playfulness that’s way more engaging for younger eyes than most galleries. Maybe your little one could be the next Pop Art icon. 

Reflection

Visitors reflecting

Mocos are all about inclusivity and making art accessible for everyone. Whether you’re an art lover or casual observer, take a moment to reflect among some of the greatest modern art in the world. Think thought-provoking pieces, intimate spaces, contemporary themes, and a calm atmosphere. Treat yourself to a moment of peace. 

Dream Location

Museumplein

Find the museum on Museumplein, Amsterdam’s hub for all things arty. Wanna see some classics? Hop over to the Rijksmuseum! Anything and everything Van Gogh on your to-do list? It’s easy to head to the Van Gogh Museum after you’re finished at the Moco. Then grab a stroopwafel and chill in Museumplein Park – deliciously serene.

Enjoyed this? 

Discover some more top Amsterdam attractions or check out what makes the Museum Rembrandthuis a must-see.

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Beth Levicki
Content Executive

Beth is a Content Executive at Go City and a casual writer of many things. She particularly loves songwriting and has written over 50 original songs since childhood. She loves travelling, especially to the US to see her friends, and enjoys more scenic destinations like hiking in upstate New York or Washington. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching Formula 1, and trying to stop her dog Odin from stealing her socks.

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valentines day amsterdam
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Valentine's Day in Amsterdam

Love. Perhaps the strongest of human emotions, according to some space-faring films, love can transcend time itself. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's start small, with everyone's favorite corporately-enforced love-iday, Valentine's Day. It's the one day a year when you're allowed to express your love to another, so make the most of it. And where better to do that than Amsterdam? One of Europe's most picturesque cities, it's ripe for Valentine's Day shenanigans. But if you've never been, or need a little help planning out the big day, we've come in clutch. Here's everything you need to know about Amsterdam to make Valentine's Day a day to remember. Including: Breakfast and brunch fun Romantic travel Loved up picnics in the park Love imitating art A canal send-off and more! Rise and shine Start things off with a bang - an amazing breakfast, of course! Amsterdam has plenty of brilliant breakfast and brunch spots, so take your pick. If you're looking for the Dutch spin on a full English, check out Greenwoods. If you've got plenty of activity packed into your Valentine's Day, you'll need a good meal to fuel you up. If the full English doesn't float your boat, they do pancakes, scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and loads more. Heading out later than breakfast? Grab brunch at G's Really Nice Place. Their chicken and waffles are to die for, especially when paired with a couple of cheeky cocktails. You could even dial the romance up to 11 and take your beloved on a boat brunch cruise through the city. Splendid. Looking for something lighter? Try Rum Baba. This coffee house/bakery/cafe has plenty of freshly-made treats, including vegan cake slices and other pastry treats; ideal if you want to stop off briefly before your date-day commences! Move it When your food has settled, and you're ready to bounce, don't hail a cab or board a tram. No! Get those limbs working, you jabroni. Amsterdam is such a beautiful city, so get your walking boots on or rent a couple of bikes to get to your next destination! You can laugh, cry, and enact all the other perfectly normal Valentine's emotions while seeing the beautiful city up close. Amsterdam is a city built with cycling in mind, so if you choose two wheels over two feet, you're in for a treat. You could even cycle out of the city to a romantic destination of your choosing. The Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, for instance, are only an hour or so away by bike, and offer fields upon fields of beautiful, multicolored wonders for you and your loved one to appreciate. Then, when you've had quite enough of the plants, cycle back and carry on your day. A bit of sweat never hurt anyone, right? A Valentine's picnic, anyone? What says 'I love you, but I don't want to spend much money proving it to you' more than a thoughtful picnic in the park? All that greenery, the sound of various fauna enjoying the sun, and the complete absence of pollution. Does it get any more romantic than that? If you're nodding your head right now, you'll be pleased to hear that Amsterdam is teeming with public parks. If you're looking for natural beauty over opportunity, pack a basket and take your picnic to Hortus Botanicus. This stunning park is punctuated with a set of greenhouses, which contain tons of exotic plants from all over the world. Find a plant that matches your partner's hair, and point it out to them - it could be romantic? Or, if you want a world of entertainment just a stone's throw away, take your picnic plans to Westerpark. Not only do they have tons of space to set out your picnic blanket and food, but they also have a plethora of bars and restaurants on-site that can do all the heavy lifting for you. You could even catch a show there, if you're theatrically inclined. Artistic license If you want to get your creative juices flowing, why not try a little art? Amsterdam has plenty of brilliant art galleries and museums for you to visit. If you've spent all day running around outside, perhaps a little inside contemplation would be just the ticket. Fans of post-impressionist landscapes, strange self-portraits, and ear-cutting hijinks, then there's a museum that's perfect for you. We're talking, of course, about the Van Gogh Museum. Learn all about the life and times of the master painter, explore his works through the years, and maybe pick your loved one up a gift at the shop if they're into it. Or, go modern with a trip to the Moco Museum. This thought-provoking collection of street art, featuring spray juggernaut Banksy, will open your mind and have you stroking your chin in thought. Then, when you're done, take proceedings to the nearby Cobra Cafe to grab a coffee or refreshing drink, and discuss what you just saw and how it made you feel. Valentine's Day is all about feelings, and in Amsterdam, it's no different. A smooch cruise Then, with the sun slowly setting, it's time to end your evening. If your partner's hungry, tell them you'll get takeout, but not before you stroll to Centraal Station to see the boats. Then, without warning, surprise your beloved with a luxury dinner cruise! They'll never see it coming, you devious dog. This two-and-a-half-hour cruise comes with a 5-course dinner, topped up with champagne, and features a plethora of meat, fish, or veggie options. A candlelit dinner has never been more romantic, and will end your Valentine's Day in Amsterdam with a bang! And that's our plan for Valentine's Day in Amsterdam! If you're visiting the city over the romantic period, you might be wondering what else to do while you're there. Wonder no longer. You thrill-seeking types will love our guide to adventurous japes. Forced to drag the kids along with you? Apologies, but we can help keep them entertained. Or, if your Valentine's Day in Amsterdam broke the bank, there are a bunch of cheap things you can do until payday. You are very welcome.
Dom Bewley
adventure amsterdam
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Adventurous Things to do in Amsterdam

Calling all adventurers! Are you a brave soul that faces the extreme with a smile? Do death-defying feats fill you with a lust for life like no other? Well then, you've come to the right place. Amsterdam might not seem like the city to cater to your needs at first, but look beneath the surface, and you'll find plenty of adventurous things to do in Amsterdam. Don't believe us? Shame on you. Here, we'll prove it to you. Here are our picks for the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! You are very welcome. Including: THIS IS HOLLAND A'DAM LOOKOUT Bungee jumping Cycle far and wide Kayak on the canal and more! Jump, go ahead and jump To adventurous types like yourself, heights probably aren't too much of an issue. After all, there are adventures to be had high above the pathetic sea level, right? Well, how do you feel about jumping off a crane? At Faralda Crane Hotel, you can do just that. This crane/hotel, something that was strange even to write, you don't just have to stay the night in one of the most stylish yet strange hotels in the city. You can also scale the building and bungee jump from the crane itself. Madness. And this isn't your usual head-first affair. Oh no, this is feet-first bungee, devoid of the usual blood rush to the head of your standard jump. So go on, prove how adventurous you really are, and jump from a crane! Definitely one of the craziest things to do in Amsterdam. 5D Thrills When reality doesn't quite cut it for your adventurous side, why not try another dimension? At THIS IS HOLLAND, you'll fly through the skies of Amsterdam, feeling the wind in your hair. Sea spray will patter your face as you glide across the city's rivers. All of that, and you won't even leave your seat. This thrill ride is composed of four shows, each giving you fantastic and unique views of the city. You'll learn about Amsterdam's past and present as you soar through the air. All the while, your seat mimics the show's motions, and you'll feel the wind, rain, and much more as advanced technology throws everything at you. Sublime. Wheely good Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we make ourselves. After all, what we think is adventurous might not quite align with the offerings of a city. So, why not set out on your own and cycle out of town? The Netherlands is a gloriously pretty country, with rolling hills, flower-filled fields, and more windmills than you can shake a turbine at. And best of all, many of the country's freeways have dedicated cycle lanes safely slotted beside them. So, get on your bike, and go explore! The Flower Strip is around 25 miles south of the city, making it the perfect picturesque getaway for you adventurous creatures. Tread water Visitors to Amsterdam will soon discover the city's affinity to water. It's literally everywhere, with canals and river estuaries snaking their way through the city. You'll likely spend much of your vacation crossing these by bridge, or walking beside them as you get about. You can even take boat tours of the city. But where's the adventure in that? You know what you have to do. You have to conquer these waters yourself! So get out there, hire a kayak, and take to the waters like a modern-day, solo pirate. Just with less of the plundering and more of the water mastery. Easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam, and one of the best ways to see the city in all its beautiful glory. Lick a shot Picture the scene - you're deep in enemy territory. Your opponents have you pinned down, and it's looking dicey. But then, as the fear begins to wash over you like a claustrophobic blanket of terror, you breathe out, shake it off, and bravely stand to face your foe. As you return fire, you're peppered with invisible bullets. Your battered suit lets out an exhausted set of beeps. You've been shot one too many times, and it's getting tired of keeping score. But you are unharmed. And better yet, you're ready to enact revenge on the scallywags. Now that's an adventure. That scene is just a microcosm of fun at Lasertag Amsterdam. Inside, between 2 and 24 people will, run, gun, and have ultimate fun during 30-minute battles. Do you have what it takes to top the scoreboard? You'll just have to find out for yourself, you adventurous wonder. Look out below! Heights mean nothing to adventurers like you. So why not test your mettle at A'DAM LOOKOUT? This innocuous-looking observation deck might not seem too daring at first. Sure, the view of the city is one-of-a-kind. But it's safe. Perhaps too safe. Well, look again, because A'DAM LOOKOUT has a terrifying secret. It's called 'Over the Edge', and its only for the most stern of heart. This giant swing careens over the edge of the observation deck 100 meters in the air. That makes it easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! But, if you wuss out, we won't judge you for it. There are still thrills to be had beyond the views. Safer thrills, but thrills nonetheless. Hop into the VR booth, and go on a virtual rollercoaster ride through the city's streets. Awesome. Monkey around Do you ever look up at trees and wish you could swing through them as our long-lost ancestors did? Yes, evolution is real, and yes, so do we! And now you can, thanks to Fun Forest Amsterdam! Forego the country's flatland and trade it in for a little tree climbing. Test your mettle on arduous rope courses, fly through the air on the ziplines, and clamber about on all the other tree-climbing paraphernalia. It's a one-way ticket to fun town. Population? You. Get wild at the beach Amsterdam might not be known for its water sports, but what do people know? Some people believe the Earth is flat, so it's not like they can be trusted. Prove them wrong, and partake in some exciting and, dare we say it, adventurous watersports in the city! At Amsterdam Watersports, you can take part in a myriad of exciting water-based activities, from wakeboarding, surfing, jet surfing, and even flyboarding. No, we didn't make that last one up. If you've ever seen videos of those people using water-powered jet boots to fly into the sky like Tony Stark, it's that. And it's fantastic. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
New Year's Eve fireworks over Amsterdam
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New Year's Eve in Amsterdam - Things to do

New Year’s Eve is a magical time in Amsterdam. Trees festooned with fairy lights glitter along the canal paths, the streets are filled with happy people munching traditional oliebollen (little Dutch donuts), and fireworks light the sky from morning till midnight, and indeed beyond. It’s party central here, with dozens of club nights, warehouse raves and unofficial street parties taking place right across town, and you’re never far from the fun.  Pro-tip: don’t go anywhere in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve without a booking. Make reservations for dinner and book ahead for any ticketed events. Oh, and be sure to sort your accommodation well in advance if you don’t want to end up paying top dollar for some suburban shack miles from the action. With that in mind, dive in for our whistlestop guide to spending New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam: Things to Do in the Morning That old saw about the early bird catching the worm has perhaps never been truer than when sightseeing in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Our advice? Rise with the lark and be prepared for attractions to close early (or indeed not open at all). This is a great time to see Amsterdam from the water on a classic cruise, with Christmas lights shimmering and rippling across the surface of the canal as you sail serenely past landmarks including Anne Frank’s House and the Westerkerk. At this time of year, there will also be cruises specifically designed to route past highlights of the enchanting Amsterdam Light Festival (of which more later). Amsterdam isn’t short of a museum or two either. The Rijksmuseum – five floors of European masterpieces including Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s Night Watch – is certainly the most essential. But there are plenty of weird and wonderful alternatives if you’re just not that into staring at old paintings. Hit up the Amsterdam Tulip Museum for a fragrant dive into one of the country’s national emblems. Peruse the private collection of one of the most dedicated pipe enthusiasts on the planet. You’ll be feline just fine at cat-crazy KattenKabinet and you can check out art of a more contemporary stripe at the bleeding-edge Moco Museum.  Staying in town a little longer? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Amsterdam, including top tours, attractions, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Amsterdam There are two essential activities to get involved in when spending New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. First up: the humble oliebol. This scrumptious little Dutch snack literally translates as ‘oil ball’, so you just know it’s not going to be a health food. You’ll find street vendors hawking these fried dough balls dusted with sugar on every square, by every canal and on every street corner. Well, almost. They’re a favorite festive snack of the Dutch so expect queues that only get longer as the day progresses. It’s also customary to stuff your face with handfuls of oliebollen at midnight on New Year’s Eve, so while this afternoon oliebol might be your first, we can guarantee it won’t be your last. This tasty tradition is said to ward off evil spirits so, if you need to justify that second bagful to yourself, now you can! Look out too for the oliebol’s fruitier cousin, the appelbeignet, also available just about everywhere in Amsterdam at this time of year. It gets dark early in Amsterdam in December – perfect timing, in other words, for the visual extravaganza that is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Brightening the long Dutch winter between December and January, this eye-popping open museum of illuminated artworks and installations takes place in and around Amsterdam’s historic center and includes unique pieces by contemporary designers, artists and architects from the Netherlands and beyond. Join a guided walking tour or take a gentle stroll around the exhibits at your own pace. Simply wait until the sun starts to set and follow the light…  Evening: New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam What you’ll also have noticed is that, come dusk, there are firecrackers, rockets and roman candles going off everywhere. Amsterdam’s fireworks laws are, shall we say, more relaxed than other parts of the world, so don’t be surprised to see kids and adults setting them off in the street. Fear factor aside, it makes for quite the spectacle, especially as the clock ticks inexorably towards midnight. It also means you can skip the official midnight display – usually held at the Kop van Java – because, trust us, you can see fireworks literally everywhere already. In fact, you’ll likely see some of the very best on the banks of the Amstel, as locals go wild with their own colorful launches. The Dutch dress to the nines for New Year’s Eve, so no slouching in baggy pants and sweaters! Bust out the glad rags and glam it up for a night out at some of Amsterdam’s glitziest addresses. Start with one of the decadent dinner packages at the likes of the opulent Grand Café Krasnapolsky or the Michelin-starred White Room. These and many other flashy (and not so flashy) Amsterdam restaurants offer multi-course packages that come (more often than not) with a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. And remember: advance booking is essential! There will be literally hundreds of club nights and parties to choose from in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Dance yourself dizzy at Madam on the 20th floor of the iconic A’DAM Tower (Amsterdam’s highest nightclub, no less), shimmy the night away at the annual Awakenings bash at Gashouder, or just hit up the nearest public square. You’ll find some of the best unofficial New Year’s parties taking place on Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. Don’t forget to bid fellow revelers a hearty ‘Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!' through mouthfuls of oliebollen as the bells peal out. And Finally… It’s the morning after the night before, so what could be more natural than joining thousands of brave Dutch men and women in the time-honored tradition of dashing into the icy waters of Zandvoort aan Zee. Anyone can take part in this crazy New Year’s Day activity – you just need to register online first. Shivering participants are rewarded afterwards with a certificate and a much-needed cup of hot pea soup. Enjoy! Save on activities and attractions in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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